Homesteading, family and just a touch of wistful longing...

So, in addition to having the hobby farm, we both work full time. Sometimes more than full time. While we are not much different than many other people trying their hand at homesteading, what is sometimes hard for us is not having any family around. Family to help us for big jobs, family to invite over for big dinners and to share this wonderful place with. Sometimes in fact, we really grieve it. Me being from the east coast and M being from the west coast means we are in a bit of a familial no man's land. Building community is slow, but happening and we of course still have friends just up the road in Ottawa. But every once and a while we are really struck by how much our family would love to share this with us and how we would love to share it with them. We feel the twinge of sadness, maybe even shed a few tears, and carry on.

Here is the short video on ethical butchering of turkeys that I promised last week. Be warned, it may be hard to watch for some as it does show the butchering. But I like this woman's approach to farming and think more people should give thanks for the animals that nourish us. Comments are very welcome. 

http://vimeo.com/17087945

Phyllis Diller, we hardly knew you!

Last night we had another turtle friend stop by. We have a creek running behind our property which must be the source of the turtles. Since the land in the area is clay based soil, they must be seeking out our property to lay their eggs because of all the sand the previous owners put down for their horses.

This turtle was much larger and looked to be much older. I named her Phyllis
Diller.

I went inside to finish cooking dinner, thinking that she was moving so slowly I couldn't miss her. Then I could see where she was going to bury her eggs and protect them like I had the other nest. Sadly, I did lose track of her in the half hour I was gone. I searched the entire field but came up with nothing. I really hope her eggs survive.

It's kind of awesome that these turtles are finding their way to us. We have almost officially decided to name property Turtle Creek Farm! Thanks turtles, for choosing us!

I have neglected you...

I have been consumed by workplace stressors (those of you in Ottawa-Gatineau likely know what I mean) and have neglected this blog. Yet, activities on the farm have continued! Some pics to update and more writing soon!

Farm update!

Delicious friends are getting bigger by the day!

Transplants are now in the ground. The weeding begins!